Summer is the perfect season for families to embark on memorable vacations, taking advantage of the warm weather and school breaks. It’s a time when families can strengthen bonds, explore new places, and create lifelong memories.
However, with the entire family involved, budgeting becomes crucial. Choosing affordable destinations is important to ensure that everyone can enjoy the vacation without financial strain.
Affordable family vacations can still offer a wealth of experiences, from exploring natural beauty and outdoor adventures to enjoying cultural and historical sites.
Whether it’s hiking in nature-rich destinations, enjoying lakes and beaches, or visiting museums and parks, there are numerous budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on the fun and excitement of a summer getaway.
Affordable Family Vacations
Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort and Waterpark, Jamaica
Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort and Waterpark, Jamaica
The Jewel Runaway Bay Beach Resort in Jamaica is an all-inclusive paradise, especially renowned for its Jewel Lagoon Water Park. This waterpark features exciting slides, raft rides, and a lazy river adorned with rock grottos and waterfalls, making it a hit with families.
Beyond the water adventures, the resort offers an inviting pool, beach areas, live evening entertainment, and even drive-in movies.
With a blend of water-based fun and cultural experiences, the resort caters to a wide range of interests, ensuring that every family member has a memorable vacation.
Royalton Antigua, an All-Inclusive Resort and Casino
Royalton Antigua, an All-Inclusive Resort and Casino
Royalton Antigua is a premium family-friendly resort situated along a private beach, boasting luxury and comfort. Just 30 minutes from Antigua’s International Airport, the resort is perfectly located for ease of access.
Families can enjoy eight restaurants, five bars, three swimming pools, a spa, and special areas for both kids and teens. The resort’s unique features, such as its overwater bungalows, make it stand out as a luxury family destination.
Activities like kayaking and snorkeling add to the adventurous spirit of the resort, making it ideal for families seeking both relaxation and fun.
Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado Island, California
Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado Island, California
Hotel Del Coronado, located on California’s Coronado Island, is a quintessential family vacation spot. This National Historic Landmark, thriving for over a century, offers a perfect blend of history and modern beach resort amenities.
Families can enjoy the private beach with food and beverage service, or indulge in surfing and stand-up paddle boarding lessons. The hotel features a variety of accommodations in its “neighborhoods,” including the original Victorian inn and luxury multi-bedroom residences.
An engaging ocean-themed kids’ program caters to children aged 5-12, providing educational and fun experiences. The resort is well-equipped to host families, offering both relaxation and adventure in a historic setting.
C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado
C Lazy U Ranch, Granby, Colorado
C Lazy U Ranch in Granby, Colorado, provides a unique family vacation experience. This all-inclusive guest ranch, located near the Rocky Mountain National Park, combines traditional dude ranch activities with luxurious amenities.
Families can enjoy trail rides, gourmet meals, and a variety of kid-friendly features like a ropes course and zip line. The ranch offers seasonal children’s programming for ages 3-17, making it an ideal destination for family reunions.
With cabins that can accommodate up to 11 guests, C Lazy U Ranch ensures a comfortable and exciting stay for families seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation in a rustic setting.
Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, St. Lucia
Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa, St. Lucia
Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa on St. Lucia island is a family paradise, especially known for its Splash Water Park, the largest on the island. The resort uniquely caters to families with its distinct family area “Splash” and an adults-only “Harmony” section.
Families can enjoy an on-site paintball facility, kitesurfing, windsurfing centers, a kids’ club, multiple dining options, and various bars. The resort’s accommodations include adjoining rooms suitable for larger families.
Coconut Bay’s blend of thrilling activities and dedicated family spaces makes it a top choice for a family vacation that promises excitement and relaxation in a tropical setting.
Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico, is a family-friendly paradise that brings beloved characters like SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to life.
This five-star all-inclusive resort features swim-up oceanfront suites and a plethora of family-focused amenities. The resort boasts character breakfasts, live shows, entertainment, and a six-acre outdoor water park.
Located just 30 minutes from the Cancun airport, it offers a unique blend of luxury and playful charm, making it an ideal destination for families with younger children and tweens looking for an unforgettable vacation experience.
Beech Bend Park, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Beech Bend Park, Bowling Green, Kentucky
Beech Bend Park, located near Bowling Green, Kentucky, offers a classic family-friendly entertainment complex. This unique destination combines an amusement park, water park, drag strip, and campground, providing a variety of activities that cater to all ages.
The park’s raceway is one of America’s oldest continually operating drag strips, hosting races and nationally recognized car shows.
Nearby, the Hilton Garden Inn in Bowling Green serves as an affordable and convenient accommodation option, complete with amenities like a heated pool and whirlpool.
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island, Texas
South Padre Island in Texas is an ideal destination for families looking for an affordable beach getaway. Known as the Sandcastle Capital of the World, the island boasts numerous sand sculptures along the Sandcastle Trail.
Families can engage in activities like beach play, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, and potentially witnessing a SpaceX launch. The area is also home to the South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center, and Alligator Sanctuary.
For accommodations, the Isla Grand Beach Resort offers value with amenities like pools, tennis courts, and sand volleyball courts.
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica, nestled within the greater Los Angeles area, offers a perfect blend of beachside relaxation and urban excitement, making it an ideal destination for affordable family vacations. Its beautiful beaches provide a budget-friendly way to enjoy California’s famed sun-kissed lifestyle.
The iconic Santa Monica Pier, with its early 1900s amusement offerings including a Ferris Wheel and roller coaster, adds to the allure. Families can rent bikes to explore the beachside path or visit other nearby beaches like Venice Beach and Manhattan Beach.
Affordable accommodation options are available, such as the Ocean Lodge Santa Monica Beach Hotel, which offers easy access to Main Street and the pier.
Bangor and the Maine Highlands, Maine
Bangor and the Maine Highlands, Maine
For families seeking an outdoor adventure, Bangor and the Maine Highlands region present an affordable yet picturesque escape.
This area is rich in natural beauty, encompassing Moosehead Lake, Baxter State Park, Mount Katahdin, and the city of Bangor itself. Bangor offers several biking and hiking trails, including the scenic Bangor City Forest and the Orono Bog Boardwalk. T
he region is known for its affordable activities, which are abundant and cater to a wide range of interests, making it an ideal destination for families who love the great outdoors.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Yellowstone National Park is a must-visit destination for families looking for an affordable vacation in touch with nature. This vast natural sanctuary, covering over 3,471 square miles, is known for its diverse landscapes, including mountains, canyons, geysers, and subalpine forests.
It’s also a hotspot for wildlife sightings. The park offers various affordable camping options, with campgrounds equipped with fire pits for that authentic outdoor experience.
Whether you’re up for challenging hikes or prefer accessible wooden boardwalks, Yellowstone has something for every family member to enjoy.
Grand Canyon, Arizona
Grand Canyon, Arizona
The Grand Canyon, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, offers an unforgettable experience for families.
Its vast and awe-inspiring landscape provides a unique backdrop for hiking and exploring. The North Rim, less crowded than other areas, offers no-fuss camping sites on a first-come-first-served basis. More experienced hikers can venture down steep trails to the river, where secluded campsites await.
The Grand Canyon’s natural beauty and affordable camping options make it a perfect destination for families seeking adventure and connection with nature.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. is a fantastic destination for families looking for an affordable yet enriching vacation experience. The nation’s capital is rich in history and offers a plethora of activities that are educational and fun for kids.
A major highlight is that many attractions, such as the National Mall, historical monuments, and the Library of Congress, are free of charge.
Additionally, families can explore all 17 Smithsonian museums, including the National Museum of Natural History and the National Zoo, without any entry fees. This city brings history to life, making it a perfect educational and budget-friendly trip.
Oak Hill, West Virginia
Oak Hill, West Virginia
Oak Hill in West Virginia offers an adventure-packed family vacation with a focus on outdoor activities. Situated next to the New River Gorge National Park, the ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill is a haven for those seeking an active holiday.
The resort offers white water rafting trips, zip line tours, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Families looking for an all-inclusive experience will appreciate the resort’s package deals, which help in budgeting and avoiding unexpected expenses. This destination is ideal for families who love nature and adventure.
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina, is an excellent choice for families who appreciate the outdoors and good food. This destination offers free activities such as hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains and exploring the Pisgah National Forest with its stunning waterfalls.
The city itself is full of family-friendly activities, including minor league baseball games in the summer. For a small splurge, the Biltmore Estate’s beautiful gardens and historic mansion are worth exploring.
Asheville is a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and urban exploration, suitable for families on a budget.
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon, is a kid-friendly city known for its quirky charm and abundance of affordable activities. The city’s outdoor offerings include hiking through Forest Park and visiting the famous International Rose Test Garden.
Portland’s parks and playgrounds provide ample space for children to play, and the city is known for its affordable dining options.
Cultural experiences like First Thursdays showcase local artwork and food, offering a taste of Portland’s artistic culture without a hefty price tag. Portland is ideal for families seeking a blend of nature and culture on a budget.
Final Thoughts
Summer presents an incredible opportunity for families to explore a variety of destinations that offer both fun and affordability.
These destinations not only fit a range of budgets but also promise lasting memories, ensuring that the summer vacation is a time of joy, discovery, and bonding for families.